Everton

It’s true! The magic of the FA Cup heals all wounds. Even the wounds inflicted on Andy Carroll’s reputation in recent months. Big Andy scored the winner in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, so in our review of the game we celebrate Carroll’s return to form (right?) and his partnership with Luis Suarez. We also ask the tough questions about Steven Gerrard (should he just keep pretending it’s 2005, or should he try and change his game?) and try to piece together what happened to cause Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher to hesitate.

We also get into Wolves’ woes (which are many), Altidore’s goals (which are many) and the Wikipedia Game–which is competitive as always.

We review the F.A. Cup 4th round match up between Everton and Fulham, or as it was billed on twitter #LDvCD. Yes, both Dempsey and Donovan played as did another American, Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. Which of the three, well really two, had the best game? Listen to find out.

Also on the show: Liverpool v. Manchester United, a quick apology, and the Wikipedia Game hosted by Albert.

We savor Landon Donovan’s defence-splitting assist for Everton against Villa, and start wondering if and how David Moyes could manage to make LD’s move to Merseyside a full time thing. We also ponder Edson Buddle’s trial at the Toffees and ponder the uphill battle facing Brad Guzan after Shay Given’s acrobatic return to action.

We also review the Milan Derby, in which Claudio Ranieri’s Inter beat Milan 1-0 with only 33% possession. Classic stuff, especially if you love a good tactical battle. And Peyton loves a good tactical battle. We also praise Javier Zanetti and Maicon and wonder whether we’d even want Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the Total Soccer Show team.

Finally, on Richmond, Virginia’s first, only and therefore best soccer podcast, we play some facial hair-themed Wikipedia Game. Click play above to listen.